Consumers Overview

The scope of the Board's authority is determined by the Legislative Assembly. It has granted the Board several powers, notably the authority to issue dental licenses and to take disciplinary action against a practitioner who violates the laws or rules pertaining to dentistry.  

The Board does not have the authority to require a patient to pay dental bills and does not have the power to require a dentist to provide refunds. The Board also does not have the authority to require a dental office to provide dental care to a particular patient. 

It is important to  understand the difference between the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) and private associations. Examples of private organization are: the American Dental Association (ADA); the North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA or The Association); and the North Dakota Dental Assisting Association (NDDAA).

• The Board is the state governmental entity. The Board's members are appointed by the Governor, and the Board's authority is set by the Nortth Dakota State Legislature. Generally, its authority is to (a) grant licenses to practice dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting, and (2) investigate complaints and decide if a dental practitioner should be disciplined. 
• Private associations such as the ADA, NDDA, and NDDAA are not part of the goverment. They are private organizations and their membership is optional. They advocate for and represent the members they serve.

The Board is not affiliated with any national or state dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting membership organization.